vvkh architecten projects energy-neutral villa meijendel in dune valley

located in a unique site in the meijendel nature reserve, the netherlands, vvkh architecten completes villa meijendel where dense forest gives way to a dune valley. the residence is designed to mirror the particular nature of the site, representing its varied and rugged character through form and material, activated by the changing patterns of natural light filtered through the tall trees while also uninhibited through the clear sandy openings. the entry occupies a mezzanine mid-level in the home, negotiating the the elevation change on the narrow site, accompanied by an office and two bedrooms. the top floor in turn contains the open living area kitchen, elevated above grade to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape through enormous spans of glass.  the ground floor has the master suite and wellness rooms, while embedded into the dune the garage and mechanical room stay out of site.

the house is understood as a new form from each angle as it corresponds to the sloped site
image © ronald knappers
first image © vvkh architecten

cast-in-place concrete comprises the entire foundation and a good part of the house, with a thermal mass that gradually reveals itself as the grade drops and is present throughout the interior. rough-grained douglas-fir pine beams form a natural and warmer contrast to the unpolished concrete walls and floors, adding a juxtaposing texture to the inside material palette. for the exterior cladding, the same timber sawn into variable widths is charred and placed with a vertical orientation wrapping the entirety of the home. the japanese method of shou-sugi-ban naturally seals the wood so as to avoid treating it with any additional products, and creates a unique look and luster. during the day, the facades glow with a soft silvery shine, the diffuses the shadows that pass across the structure. the orthogonal form has a different relationship to the site along the footprint of the home, seemingly changing in size and shape as the dune slowly engulfs the volume. all the materials that make up the construction are left raw and exposed to mirror the quality and variety of the site.

charred wood and glass comprise the exterior aesthetic
image © ronald knappers

openings in the home are carefully sized and positioned to obtain the maximum benefit of both light and views. the stairs, allocated to one side of the home, site next to a full height series of glass panels in a small courtyard-like void that cuts into the floor plan and provides light for the surrounding program. angled windows sit just above grade, following the slope of the ground so the topography can be experienced at eye level from the partially submerged rooms. overhangs help shade the interior while solar panels on the roof collect all the energy needed to live. thermal pumps heat the home while the massive concrete foundation and embedded structure naturally maintain temperatures, forming an energy neutral system.

one end of the home meets the grassy forest landscape while the other terminates over a dune valley
image © vvkh architecten

the second story living area with large glass walls overlooks the valley
image © vvkh architecten

a central notch in the plan faces the stairs, with tall glass partitions that flood the interior with natural light
image © vvkh architecten

image © vvkh architecten

exposed concrete and rough wood make up the interior textures of the home
image © vvkh architecten

deep stairs lead up to the entry mid-level from the living room
image © vvkh architecten

steel panels make up the guardrails, adding another raw material to the interior palette
image © vvkh architecten

the window in the office area follows the natural grade
image © vvkh architecten

entry foyer
image © vvkh architecten

the elevated living room enjoys the furthest views
image © vvkh architecten

image © vvkh architecten

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project info:

architect: vvkh architecten
design: ronald knappers
team: ronald knappers, mark verdoold, hans schepman
interior design: same-d
landscape architect: west 8, adriaan geuze
structural engineer: breed integraal ontwerp
advisor: ingenieursbureau halmos
building contractor: bouwbedrijf kon

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